A Few Farmers' Markets We Love

We usually make it a point to visit a farmers’ market whenever we have the opportunity to. We love the surfeit of fresh and colourful produce, the astonishing specialisation and focus of certain farms, and the conversations with friendly vendors, who are only too happy to share about what they have lovingly grown or made with pride. You get to see who is behind your food, get a sense of their personalities and philosophies. They might even offer you recipe ideas. And, almost always, the produce just tastes phenomenal. Some finds have etched themselves into my tastebuds forever: the creamiest lavender honey from Bonnieux, Provence; delicious raspberry granola and deeply flavoured purple broccolini from Berkeley; juicy peaches and pluots from Santa Barbara; the sweetest baby carrots from Santa Fe; foraged chicken of the woods mushrooms from London that tasted of lemon chicken. You may go home poorer than expected (prepared foods—and even produce—at some markets are not always kind on the wallet) but nonetheless content because you know you will be feasting on this bounty over the next few days. And where else are you going to find organic purple kohlrabi?

If you, like us, are willing to work a market into your travel itinerary, then here are some tips:

·      Since markets are usually open once a week, plan ahead so that you will be in the neighbourhood on the right day.

·      Aim to go early for the best selection of produce.

·      Or aim to go near closing time. You might find better deals then. Most vendors would rather you take home the last of those striking, swirly Chioggia beets than lug them back.

·      Make sure to bring your own bag. Make that bags. You might need room for the green garlic, lemon cucumbers, heirloom aubergines, and dry-farmed Early Girl tomatoes that you were not expecting to find.

·      Go ready to snack because, even if you aren’t in accommodations where you can cook, there will be ready-to-eat items that you can purchase. Often farmers’ markets are accompanied by vendors who focus on artisanally made food: hummus, baked goods, soups, jams… You’re bound to find something delicious and to your liking. 

·      Find a picnicking location in advance if you intend to turn your farmers’ market visit into a brunch or lunch as well. 

Here are a few of our favourite farmers’ markets:

·      Marylebone Farmers’ Market, London: Sundays only. If you love potatoes, look out for The Potato Shop for their range of heirloom varieties. We bought amazing foraged mushrooms here many years ago, but that vendor is no longer around sadly. The Ginger Pig, a well known local butcher, is a short hop away from the market, so you might want to stop in and pick up a traditional pork pie or a sausage roll.

·      Berkeley Farmers’ Market, California: varying locations in Berkeley on varying days. Make sure to visit the Frog Hollow stand for fresh fruit, jams, and cakes. The blood orange and strawberry marmalade is wonderful.

·      Santa Fe Farmers' Market, New Mexico: Every Saturday and Tuesday. Check out Santa Fe Mountain Mushrooms for some intriguing mushroom and herbal tinctures.